Automatic refrigerating apparatus



Oct. 14, 1924. 1,511,890

M. R. KARGE AUTOMATIC REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed May 14. 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 14 1924.- 1,511,890

- M. R. KARGE AUTOMATIC REFRIGERATING APPARATU 5 Filed May 14, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 14, 1924. v 1,511,890

M- R. KARGE AUTOMATIC REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed May 14, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 #13 10 led Oct. 14 1924.

M. R. KARGE AUTOMATIC REFRIGERA'IING APPARATUS 5 SheetsSheet 4 Filed May 14. 1923 m. AM,

mi 81mm:

Oct. 14 1924- M. R. KARGE AUTOMATIC REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed May 14,

1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 m SR.

Patented Oct. 14, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.-

MAXWELL B. KARGE, OF PHOENIX, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THOMAS 1. KINGSFORD OF OSWEGO, NEW YORK.

AUTOMATIC REFRIGERATING APPARATUS.

- Application ma May 14, 1923. Serial No. 638,854.

7 '0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MAXWELL R. KAnGE,

a citizen of the United States of America,

and a resident of Phoenix, county of Oswego, and State of New York, have invented certain Im rovements in and Relating to Automatic efrigerating Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to refrigeration apparatus of the absorption type; and the objects and nature of the invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art in the light of the following explanations of the accompanying drawings illustrating what I now believe to be the preferred me chanical exfpression or embodiment of my invention rom among other forms, constructions and arrangements within the spirit and scope thereof. f '20 An object of the invention is to provide simple .and eflicient refrigerating apparatus of t e absorption type that will be automatic in operation and that will overcome certain of the complications involved in absorption refrigeration machines heretofore proposed. With this, and other, objects in view my invention consists in certain novel features in construction, and in combinations and arrangements as more fully hereinafter described and specified.

.forin ing a part hereof:

Fig. 1 is a more or less diagrammatical elevation of a refrigerating machine embodying my invention, the refrigerating members thereof being shown in a refrigerator, partially broken away and illustrated in sectional elevation.

. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the refrigerating machine, parts being broken away and the refrigerating members not bein shown? ig. 3,is an edgeelevation of the machine, parts being broken away and the refrigeratin members not being shown. Fig. 4 is an electric wiring diagram of the machine of Fig. 1, parts beingdiagrammatically illustrated, a plug being shown for insertion into a'socket in a building electric wiring system as the source 0 electric power.

Fig. 5 is a controlling. the flow of cooling water and the switch mechanism controlling the electric detail elevation of the-valve heaters, the valve being shown at its limit of downward movement.

Fig. 6 shows the constructions of Fig. 5 in longitudinal or vertical section, the valve being shown at its limit of upward movement.

Fig. 7 shows one of the refrigerating members in horizontal section. Fig. 8 shows the refrigerating members in top plan, modified supporting and connecting means being shown.

Fig. 9 shows the refrigerating members of Fig. 8 in front elevation, the front doors bein removed.

ig. 10 shows the structure of Fig. 8 l]1' front elevation showing the doors in normal '70 closed position.

Figs. 11 and'12 show a form of ice forming pan or tray in top plan and end .eleva-. tion. 1 a

The machine of my invention embodiestwo preferably similar generator-absorbers A, B, of like capacity, each charged with a suitable absorbent and a suitable refrigerant, the twogenerator-absorbers preferably. containing similar charges of like materials. For instance, aqua-ammonia, although other refrigerant gases and absorbents can be employed, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.- Beferring to the accompanying drawings, 7

Each generatorabsorber embodies a strong rigid retort or tank 1 permanently sealed and closed except as hereinafter appears and capable of withstandin the maxi mum internal pressure to which it mi ht be subjected even under abnormal condltions. .00 Each tank is jacketed to receive a cooling me dium to absorb or conduct off the heat of absorption. For instance, for this purpose,

I show water jacket or tank 2 providing a water space below as, well as around and'95 above, the retort 1, although 'I do notwish to so limit my invention.

Each generator-absorber is provided with its individual independent gas line consv denser, and refrigerating element or ex an- 10( sion chamber, .but the two separate refi'igera'ting elements cooperate in lowering the temperature of the zone, space, chamber or material to be refrigerated, in that both said elements are located in such zone or the like, 106 preferably in juxtaposition or in close prox imity to each other. In the embodiment illustrated, the two generator-absorbers are not connected in parallel with an expansion or refrigerating chamber in one gas line circuit that includes a liquid ammonia receiver, but each generator-absorber has its own gas line to a refrigerating element, and this line, in part, forms the pressure line as well as the suction line, and, in this example, avoids the use of a liquid refrigerant receiver, an expansion valve and certain other complica tions.

For instance, in the example illustrated, I show two separate similar refrigerating elements A, B, arranged in the zone to be re frigerated. I show these elements arranged in parallelism one over the other in close proximity, although I do not wish to so limit my invention. In this instance, each refrigerating element consists of an air and liquid tight strong walled hollow metal body to form a refrigerant receiver and expansion or boiling chamber of relatively large capacity, that is approximately U shaped in ,form and horizontally arranged and preferably circular in cross section.

Each such element has its own liquid intake and expanded gas outlet pipe (5 or 5) opening thereinto through the top wall thereof and this pipe is included in a pipe line that includes a condenser and that ultimatel branches to provide a hot gas offtake rom the top of the interior of its generator-absorber and an expanded gas or suction intake opening into the lower part of such generator absorber, preferably below the liquid level therein.

Referring in this connection to the particular construction illustrated for purposes of explanation, hot gas offtake pipe 3 opens through the top of generator-absorber A and extends therefrom to condenser 4 while pipe 5 leads from the condenser to and opens into the to of the refrigerating element A of the sai generator-absorber A, and thus completes the supply pipe line from generator-absorber to refrigerating element. The expanded gas or suction line from the refri crating element back to the generatorabsor er, is formed by said supply pipe-line and is completed by the provision of a branch pipe 7 leaving pipe 3, at a point between the condenser 4 and a check valve 6 in line 3, and extending through the top of generator-absorber A to a point near the bottom thereof where it discharges the expanded gas into the liquid in the generator absorber. This suction branch 7 is equipped with a check valve 8 to close the branch against back pressure flow from the generator-absorber. The check valve 6 in the gas offtake pipe 3 is constructed and arranged to prevent back pressure flow toward the generator and to perform certain other functions as will be pointed out hereinafter. The generatorB is likewise independently connected with its own refrigerating element B, through a separate line including a pipe 3, check valve 6, condenser 4: and pipe 5, and the suction connection is likewise completed through branch 7 having check valve 8, all operating and arranged as described in connection with generator A and its refrigerating element A.

Those skilled in the art know that under heat and pressure, the gas such as anhydrous ammonia, is gradually driven from the liquid in the generator-absorber and stopped and the generator is thereupon cooled in any suitable manner or by any suitable means. By cutting ofi the heat and application of cooling medium, generation gradually ceases, and the temperature and pressure within the generator gradually drop and minus pressure gradually develops and the absorption stage thereupon starts in. When the pressure within the generator-absorber becomes minus, i. e., less than that in the refrigeratingelement, the anhydrous ammonia or other refrigerant in the refrigerating element begins to boil or gradually expand into gas and the absorption or refrigerating stage has started in. During this stage, the -expanded gas is drawn from the refrigerating element back through pipe (5 or 5"), condenser (4 or 4'), pipe (3 or 3) to branch (7 or 7) into the absorbent in the particular generator-absorber wherein the gas is absorbed preparatory to repeating the generating stage hereinbefore described.

The check valve (6 or 6) is constructed and arranged to prevent gas flow through pipe (3 or 3) toward the generator-absorber, and the check valve (8 or 8) is COD". structed and arranged to prevent gas flow through pipe (7 or 7) from the generatorabsorber, and hence when plus pressure ex ists in the generator-absorber, the flow therefrom can be only by way of pipe (3 or 3) and when minus pressure exists in the generator absorber, the flow thereinto can be only by way of the pipe (7 or 7).

The check valve (6 or 6) in the pressure if gas ofitake pipe is constructed and arranged to control. and regulate the off flow of hot 1 gas and to'perform the functions of a dehydrator, and also of an expansion valve,

- sequent creation of back in refrigerating efliciency.

I and thereby avoid the complications, as well The {several check valves shown in this example, are similar in construction, and

each consists of a casing 9 included in and as a section of its pipe line, said casing profviding a. longitudinal vertical bore in con- 'tinuation of the pipe line bore. The casing bore increases in diameter from its lower inlet end toward its upper outlet end to provide for gas expansion and to permit the formation of several alined annular ball valve seats vertically spaced apart, with the upper seat of greater diameter than the lower seat. On the lower seat is arranged a relatively small or light weight spherical gravity ball valve 10 that is freely movable and capable of being lifted by pressure from below. 7

On the upper-large diametervalve seat is arranged a relatively large and heavy spherical gravity ball valve 11, that is also freely movable vertically and capable of I being lifted by the necessary pressure from 5 vate the large ball 11 and permit upward passage of the gas.

The halls are usually com osed of metal and the upper ball is usua y about twice 'the diameter of the lower ball and hence relatively heavy in weight. These ballsand their seats are designed to tightly seal the gas passage against back pressure flow. The

balls elevate in succession, to permit gas flow by stages, so that one ball seals the passage when the other ball lifts to permit flow.

When in action, the balls usually vibrate up and down or pulsate, and are constructed,

arranged, and proportioned tov suit the requirements of each installation, 'to approximately maintain more orless even pressure in the generator-absorber when generating .to prevent sudden and wide pressure varia tions, and to control the flow back to the generator during absorption to prevent gen- 'eration of back pressure and to prolong the refrigerating period.

In the ofltake check valves (6 or 6') the hot gas passing up throu h the small lower valve seat, expands in t e chamber below the large ball 11 and is halted by the lat ball, and hence such check valves serve t e purpose of separators or dehydrators, as watery vapors are thereby separated from the gas and condensed in said expansion chambers. The water of condensation, gradually seeps down past the small valves 10 as they elevate and returns to the generatorabsorbers.

' In the particular example illustrated, the two condensers 4,4, are formed by jackets on lengths of a coiled cooling water pipe.

For instance, I show a vertically arra ed n cooling water pipe coil embodying -a p urality of parallel horizontal pipe lengths 14 arranged in a vertical series and connected so that cooling water flows through all of said lengths, preferably upwardly throu h the coil from the water supply pipe 15 to t e water ofl'take pipe 16.

These pipe lengths 14 are surrounded by separate longitudinal jackets 17 at their ends welded or otherwise secured to the pipe lengths to form liquid and gas tight annular gas spaces around the pipe lengths and extending longitudinally thereof for flow of gas in contact with the cool exterior surfaces of the pipe lengths. Several of these annular jacket gas spaces can be coupled together to form one of the condensers 4 or 4, and the remaining coupled together to form the other condenser.

For instance, I show the hot gas ofitake Y space within the top jacket 17, said top jacket space being connected with the next jacket space below by vertical cross gas connection 17, (to form condenser 4) with the condensed gas ofi'take pipe 5 leading from the bottom of the last named jacket space to convey the condensed gas to cooling or refrigerating A. In this instance, the condense-r 4 is of similar construction and is formed by the two lower jacket formed gas spaces on lengths of the waterpipe, correspondingends of said spaces being connect ed by vertical cross connection 17, withthe hot gas pipe 3 discharging into the upper side of the other end of the upper space and condensed gas pipe 5 leading from the under side of the corresponding end of the lower jacket space and discharging, into the cooling element B.

A mostsimple and eificient condenser construction is thus provided, and yet one that permits back flow therethrough of expanded gases under suction, all without the necessity of employing separate liquid receivers and expansion valves or manual controls in the gas line. However, I do-not wish to limit all features of my invention, to the particular condenser construction and arrangements described.

As hereinafter more fully described, means and arrangements are provided to,

' the generator-absorbers is being heated while the other is being cooled with provision for automatically switching the heat from and the cooling Water to one generator at the approximate termination of each generating.

stage and simultaneously turning the heat on and stopping the flow of water to the other generator-absorber to approximately terminate each absorption stage.

The arrangement is such that during normal operation, condensed refrigerant is being delivered to one or the other of the refrigerating elements while the gas is expanding in the remaining element and exerting its refrigerating action on the zone to be cooled, and the first named refrigerating element which is not then acting to refrigerate, is subjected to the refrigerating action of the other element and the condensed gas therein is cooled thereby while awaiting its turn to act as a refrigerant.

Also during normal action of the machine, hot gas is flowing forward through one condenmr 4 or 4', while expanded gas is flowing back through the other condenser, yet the gases in both condensers are subjected to the cooling water flowing constantly through both condensers.

It will be observed that should an abnormal pressure develop in the pipe line of either enerator-absorber, a pressure greater than't at in the generator-absorber, so as to prevent passage of fluid through check valve 6 or 6, the pressure in the system can become equalized to restore normal conditions, by fluid flow through check valve 8 or 8 into generator-absorber A or B.

In the particular example illustrated, pipe 15 constitutes the source of -.water supply for the two condensers and the two generator-absorbers.

The condensers are included in the water circuit in series, and the generator-absorbers in parallel, in that the water flows through the condemsers in succession and therefrom through one or the other of the generator-absorbers and therefrom to waste. The water discharge pipe 16 from the condensers leads down to a suitable valve that directs the water flow through branch water pipe a, into the jacket of generator-absorber A, or else through branch waterpipe 6, into the jacket of generator-absorber B, while opening the drain pipe I) of generator-absorber B, and closing the drain pipe at of generator-absorber A, or vice versa if the water is flowing into generator-absorber B jacket and is cut oil from generator-absorber A jacket. The two generatorabsorber jacket drain pipes a, b, can, if so desired, discharge to drain or waste pipe 20. The water jackets of the two generatorabsorbers overflow at their upper ends through pipes 22, to drain or waste pipe 21,

so that during absorption, the cooling through the bottom drain pipe a or b.

However, I do not wish to 'so limit all features of my invention.

Various valve or other devices can be employed to shift the cooling water supply from one generator-absorber to the other and simultaneously start the operation of draining the jacket of the generator-ahsorber from which the cooling water has been cut off, at each shift of the machine to reverse the operations in the generator-absorbers.

However, I have devised exceedingly simple and eflicient valve means for controlling the cooling water supplied to the generator-absorbers. For instance, I show a suitably supported fixed tubular valve casing 23 arranged between the lower ends of the two generator-absorbers, and formed with a longitudinal bore opening through the upper end thereof, with the waste ipe 20 opening into and extendin down rom the lower end of this bore. Wlthin the bore of this casing, I arrange a longitudinal elongated slide valve or plug 24 with a running fit. This plug or valve projects upwardly beyond the casing, usually through a packed joint or gland to prevent water leakage from the bore around the valve, although I do not wish to so limit my inven-. tion. The valve or plug is hollow and forms a longitudinal bore or passage 25 and a lower longitudinal water discharge or drainage passage 26 to drain pipe 20. The upper end of passage 26 is closed from communication with the lower end of passage 25 by an imperforate partition spanning the interior of the valve or lug.

The in et ends of the branch water su ply pipes a, b, are fitted in the casing 23 om opposite sides thereof so that their inlets form radial outlet ports from the casing bore, and the plug or valve is formed with radial outlet ports 25, supply passage 25, that are arranged to register with the inlet ends of the plpes a, b, respectively. The outlet ports 25, 25", are arranged at different elevations so that the inlet to one pipe will be always closed by the wall of the plug or valve and against flow of water when the inlet of the other water supply distributing 25", from its water.

pipe registers with a port or 25" and is receiving water. The arrangement is such that when the valve is at its limit of upward movement one pipe (such as pipe a, through port 25) will bev receiving cooling T water while the other pipe (pipe 12) will be cut off from the water supply, and when the valve is at its limit of downward movement the first named pipe (pipe a) will be cut off from the water supply while the other pipe (pipe I) through port 25'?) will be receiving water from the valve.

The two drain pipes at, b, likewise have their inlets opening in oppositerdirectionsinto the lower end portion of the valve casing, and controlled by radial ports 26", 26", in the valve to the valve drain passage 26, and arranged at different elevations so that when the valve is at its limit of downward movement one drain pipe (such as b) will be closed and the other drain pipe (such as pipe a through port 26) will be open, with the arrangement reversed when-the valve is at its limit of upward movement. It will thus be observed that the drain from the generator-absorber receiving cooling water' s always closed, while the drain from the generator-absorber cut' ofi' from cooling water is always open, and this relative arrangement is maintained when the valve is shifted.

The lower end of the cooling water pipe 16 leading fromthe condensers,

coupled to the upper end of the valve in open communication with the water passage 25 so thatsaid val ve forms a distributer for sald pipe and the cooling water. If so desired, the pipe. 16 can be provided with a flexible section, such as 16', to accommodate the short limited operative vertical reciprocation of the valve.

If desirable, a stop 25', can be provided to limit the upward movement of the valve, and spring'means, such as 25", can be provided, acting on the valve to return the same applied to the generator-absorber from which the cooling medium is cut oil, and the cycle is shifted from one to the other as each'absorbing stage or as each generating sta is approximately completed.

firious means can be provided for automatically and simultaneously operating the valve 24, to shift the coolingwater flow, and devices for shifting the heat" from one generator tg the other. The shifting means is suitablysorber will 'be broken and the can be actuated or controlled automatically by time controlled means independent of temperature and pressure conditions within the generator-absorbers, or by means controlled by floats in the generator-absorbers, or by means controlled b ressure or by temperature conditions w1th1n the system,

all acting to control any suitable motor or power for performing the actual work of shifting valves, switches, or other devices for throwin the heating means on and ofi', and control 'ng the water flow.

For instance, in the drawings, I happen In this example I show any suitable motor 7 27 suitably supported in a fixed position above the cooling water supply .valve 24, and having operative connection 28 with said valve for elevating the same and controlling the vertical position thereof. The switch mechanism controlling the generatorabsorber heaters is, in this instance, carried and actuated by the cooling water valve mechanism. For instance, I show movable switch contact 29 carried by and depending and insulated from a bracket 29 fixed to and projecting laterally from the u per end of the valve 24 and movable vertical y therewith. This switch is electrically connected with one side of the electric power circuit and is arranged to electrically engage either one of ,two fixed. switch contacts 30, 31'.

- and to snap from one to the other as the valve rises and falls to close the power circuit through one and break the circuit through the other. The .contact 30 is elec-. 2

trically connected through the electric heater 30 of the generator A to the. other side of the power circuit, and the contact 31' is electrically connected through the electric heater 31 of the generator B to the other side of the power circuit.,-

The exposed contacts 30', .31, arespaced apart and arranged in a vertical row and in this instance are insulated from, each other and carried by an insulating base 32 fixed to the exterior of the valve casing 23.

The arrangement is such that when the 5 valve 24 is at its limit of movement in onedirection with. the cooling water flowing through one generator-absorber jacket, the

electric heater circuit for that enerator-aheater out of action, while the electric heaterjcircuit of the ,other generatorwill be closed' fand that heater in action. On the completion of an absorption generation stage, the valve 24 will be moved by the motor to its opposite limit of movement to switch the cooling water from one enerator-absorber jacket to the other and t e switch member 29 will simultaneously snap from one fixed contact to the other to break one heater circuit and close the other and thus switch ofl? the heater of one generator-absorber and throw the heater of the other into heating action.

Where gas burners are employed to heat the generators, the movement of valve 24 can also be utilized to throw gas valve mechanism to automatically switch the gas supply from one burner to the other simul taneously with the cooling water switching action.

Where electrical heaters for the generators are employed, I prefer to provide the generators with heater element receiving pockets 33 projecting into the liquid spaces of the retortsand open at their outer ends at the exteriors of the generator water jackets to removably receive the electric heater or resistance units 30, 31. Each pocket can be composed of an imperforate metal tube tightly sealed at one end and open at the other end. These tubes project into the generator retorts and are tightly sealed in the walls thereof as by welding, with their open ends projecting through the water jacket. Each tube or pocket 33 is preferably formed to removably receive one elec tric hot oint or other heating element, so that said elements can he removed for replacement or repair. I prefer to provide each generator with several pockets 33 and electric heater units so that added heater units can be coupled into the heating cir-' cuits during very hot weather or in hot climates to shorten the generating and absorbing stages and hence increase the refrigcrating action. The number of heating units in the generators can thus be increased or decreased, as refrigerating conditions require. I Y

As hereinbefore stated, various means can be employed to cause the motor, at the required intervals of time, to operate the valve 24 to switch the cooling water from one generator to the other and simultaneously cut the heat from the last named generator and apply heat to the first named generator. In the particular example illustrated, I show each generator provided with a thermostat for actuating a switch controlling an independent circuit for starting an operative valve throwing stroke or action of the motor 27. I also show each generator or its pipeline equipped with a pressure gage for actuating another switch controlling another independent circuit for starting an operative valve throwing stroke or action of the motor 27, whatever the type or character of that motor.

For instance, each generator-absorber A,

to perform an operative valve throwing stroke and then come to rest. Either one of the two thermostat controlled switches 36, can thus cause the motor 27 to perform such operative stroke.

The two thermostats 35 are similarly adjusted accurately to cause operative action of the switches controlled thereby at substantially the same generator retort temperature.

It is possible to calculate for each'installation, approximately the generator retort temperature that will be reached when the gas has been driven from the absorbent and when the expansion or boiling stage in a refrigerating element has been nearly concluded. The two thermostats or their switches are then adjusted to cause a valve throwing stroke of the motor 27 when such generator-absorber temperature is reached or indicated.

The same is true of the pressure gauges with which each generator is preferably equipped. For instance, I'show each generator-absorber equipped with its own gauge 39 connected thereto to respond to and in dicate the pressure therein. There is a certain fixed relation between pressure and temperature within the generators. The pressure and temperature rise and fall together, and if the thermostats are. adjusted to cause a switch over of heat and cooling water between the generators when the temperature reaches, say 300 F. in the gener- 105 ator that is expelling gas, the two gauges 39 will be set to cause a valve throwing action of the motor 27 when approximately 150 pounds pressure is reached in such generators. j

Each gauge 39 forms an electric switch in its own electric circuit that is connected to the motor 27 or the motor-controlling means in the same manner as the thermostat switches and circuits, and these pressure 115 gauge controlled switches and circuits constitute checks on or adjuncts to the thermostat controlled. switches and circuits, or in the nature of emergency or safety devices. I If for any reason, a thermostat controlled 120 switch and circuit should not operate when the critical temperature in its generator is indicated, the gauge 39 of such generator, set to close its switch at the generator pressure approximately corresponding to such generator temperature, will operate to cause a valve throwing operation of motor 27, or if the gauge switch does not so operate, the thermostat switch will.

The pressure indicating. movable finger 1 or ointer 39', of each gauge is usually couple into the circuitcontrolled by that gauge to form the movable switch contact, while a switch contact 39 can be arranged in the gauge to form the normally fixed switch contact. The contact 39 is preferably adjustable around the dial of the that it can be set at the pressure say. 150) at which it is desired to cause the motor 27 to operate, when the pointer 39' will electrically engage contact 39" and 'closethe motor controlling circuit,

For instance, if it is found that it takes six hours to expand the gas from either expansion coil or element A, B, heating elements- 30, 31, are employed of sufficient capacity to take approximately the same length of time to expel or exhaust the gas from either generator-absorber and reach the temperature or critical point therein. at which the motor 27 is caused to perform a valve thrdw'ing actionto shift the heat and cooling water between the generator-absorbers. The length of time between shifts can be increased or decreased by reducing or increasing theheating capacity of the heaters, by increasin the number, of B. t. u. applied to the generator-absorbers during generation.

In other words, the application of heat and the shift over periods should be so arranged and calculated that when the frost on the outer surface of an expansion coil or element- A, B, under refrigration, begins to melt showing that all of the expanded gas therefrom has been absorbed back in its generator-absorber, the shift over should have taken place'at such time,

that the other generator-absorber should be cooled to condition to begin absorbing gas expanded from its exansion coil or refrigeratin element.

An in this connection, it is again em-, phasized, that the check valves 8, 8, are constructed and arranged to automatically control the back flow of expanded gas to prolong the refrigerating operation to the maximum an permit more "cor less slow regular back flow of gas at a rate that does not exceed thecapacity of the absorber to take up the gas, maintaining an approximately uniform difference in pressure at opposite sides of said valves 8, 8.

By so constructing and arranging my apparatus, as to greatly prolong the period of gas expansion and refrigeration; and require ap roximately the same length of time in w 'ch to expel the gas from the generators, a long generation period is provided for that requires a minimum heat supply, and hence forcing of the heat supply and overheating and excessive pressures is avoided.

I provide the generator-absorbers with pockets 40 extending thereinto and closed auge so from the interiors thereof and open at their outer ends to removably receive the thermostats 35 and protect the same from the deleterious action of the materials within the retorts. These pockets can 'be formed by closed end tubes of steel or other suitable material welded in the retort walls, as described in connection with the pocket 33. By thus providing pockets AOto receive the thermostats, I can remove and replace thermostats and can use standard or other thermostats of commerce, the nature and materials of which prevent use thereof where exposed to the gases and substances within the retorts.

I gain advantages for ordinaryerefrigerator purposes, by the provision of the two U-shaped combined receiver and expansion chamber enlarged hollow bodies A, B.'

which can be conveniently secured together One over the other, and located in the ice compartment of an ordinary refrigerator R with the pipes 5, 5, extending through the back wall of such refrigerator to the condensers which can be arranged at the exterior of the refrigerator and secured to the back thereof.

The generator-absorbers can. be located at the exterior pf one end of the refrigerator. When the hollow bodies A, B, are thus arranged and securedwith the legs of the U-shapes projecting forwardly, plates 45 can be secured at the under sides. of the bodies to support water freezing trays 46 that can removably rest between the legs of the U-shapes and can be moved in and out on the tray supporting ledges formed by plates 45, when the door of the refrigerator iceicompartment is open. I

However, I do not wish to so limit all features of my invention, as the hollow bodies A, B, might be immersed in brine, or for large refrigeration installations might assume difi'erent shapes and forms, such as closely adjacent pipes or coils.

Also, I do not wish to limit all features of my invention, to use with two individually separate or complete generator-absorber and expansion chamber units, nor to use with one way as distinguished. from return circuit systems.

By providing two refrigerating units (each comprising its own generator-absorber, condenser, and combined receiver and refrigerating element) that are separate and distinct so far as their refrigerating circuits are concerned, yet'which are combined so far as relative operations and exterior refrigerating influences are concerned, Iv gain certain refrigerating efliciency andadvantages and avoidcertain refrigerating losses. I find that after each shift over of-heat and cooling water between the two generator-absorbers, a length of time elapses before the generator to which the heat has just been applied ceases to absorb, and before the,

7 one refrigerating element While the pressure is dropping in the generator-absorber of the other refrigerating element to the point necessary to start boiling or expansion in said last named element. In other words the generating and gas expanding operations overlap at each shift and the provision of separate yet adjacent expansion or refrigerating elements of separate units prevents intervals when no expansion or refrigeration takes place, and utilizes the refrigerating action of one element to chill the other element and refrigerated zone during such overlap.

The motor 27 can be drivenby weights, electricity or other power, the application of which is controlled by the thermostat or gauge controlled circuits.

If so desired, the motor 27 can consist of the thermostat controlled electric or weight motors'ofcommeroe. For instance, an electric motor that always rotates in the same direction but actuates a pulley orgear 28 through automatic reversing mechanism. Whenever started the motor rotates the gear or, pulley a certain number of revolutions and then comes to rest. The pulley or gear is rotated first in one direction, on one stroke, and on the next stroke in the opposite direc tion. This is well adapted for raising and then lowering the valve 24. The valve can be weighted to'drop or can be spring pulled downwardly. A type of such a thermostat controlled motor is shown, for instance, by

' Patents Nos. 952991 and 953006, March 22,

1910. My invention, however, is not limited to any particular motor type or structure.

In F igs. 11, 12, I show a convenient form of ice mold or tray that can be employed to slide into and from the spaces between the legs of the U-shaped refrigerating elements A, B. The several refrigerating elements can be suitably assembled and held together for insertion into a refrigerator R, as a unitary structure and to provide for support of and convenient access to and application and removal of the icemolds 46.

For instance, the two horizontal elements A, B, can be firmly supported in parallelism, one over the other, by a supporting and clamping frame work embodying horizontal plates resting against the top and bottom faces of the elements and held thereto by transverse clamping and element supporting bars 47 and vertical clamping bolts 48 cooperating with said bars 47.

If so desired, vertically swingable front doors 50 can be provided at the front ends of the refrigerating elements A, B, to close the freezing chambers provided therein by the top and bottom plates 45. These freez 1,51aaeo ing chambers are provided for the ice molds or trays and said chambers are rendered accessible from the front by velevating said doors, the purpose of which is obvious.

It is evident that various changes, modifi cations and variations might be resorted to, that features-might be added or parts omitted, all without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention, and hence I do not wish to limit myself to the exact disclosures hereof.

What I claim is 1. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type comprising a generator-absorber and a pressure pipe line leading therefrom, in combination 'with light-pressure lifted check valve means in said line, and relatively heavy pressure-lifted check valve means in said line beyond said first mentioned means in the direction of gas fiow.

2. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type, comprising a generator absorber, a pressure gas ofttake pipe therefrom, a suction intake pipe thereto, means to automatically regulate and control the outflow of as through said ofi'take consisting of lig tpressure lifted check valve meansand relatively heavy pressure lifted check valve means arranged beyond said light-pressure lifted check valve means, and means to automatically regulate and control the gas flow into the generator-absorber through sald intake consisting of light-pressure valve means and relatively heavy-pressure lifted check valve means arranged in succession with respect to said light-pressure lifted check valve means and between the same and the generator-absorber.

3. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type having automatic as flow controlling check valve means in its gas line embodying a gas passage and a pressure-lifted check valve for said passage, a relatively large capacity gas passage from said first mentioned passage and pressure-lifted check valve for said large capacity passage.

. 4. An automatic refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type, comprising apair of separate refrigerating units, each un1t consisting of a generator absorber and its heating and cooling means, a condenser, a refrigerating unit, and a connecting pipe line, means being provided for automatically shifting the application of heat and cooling medium from one generator-absorber to the other, the two refrigerating elements being similar in form and capacity and arranged closely together one over the other, each refrigerating element being approximately U- shaped and horizontally arranged, with the U-shapes open at'the front and providing supports for removable ice trays adapted to be located between the legs of the U- shape. a

lifted check a relatively-large 5. A refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type, comprising a pair of separate refrigerating units, each unit consisting of a generator absorber and its heating and cooling means, a condenser, an individually complete hollow refrigerating body providing a central open refrigerating space, and a connecting pipe line, means being provided for shifting the application of heat and cooling medium from one generator-absorber to the other, the two similar refrigerating bodies secured together in approximate parallelism with their central spaces accessible to receive freezing trays.

6. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type, comprising a pair of separate refrigerating units, each unit consisting of its own generator-absorber, condenser, refrigerating element and connecting combined ofi'take and suction gas pipe line. the two refrigerating elements being arranged each Within theizone cooled by the other, each generator absorber having means for alternately heating and cooling the same, means ,for periodically cutting off the heat from one generator-absorber and applying cooling means thereto and simultaneously applying heating means to theother generator absorber and cutting off the cooling medium therefrom, and a continuous cooling Water coil, the condensers of said units being both arranged in cooled. relation to said continuous coil during both generation and absorption.

7.'Refr1gerating apparatus of the absorption type, comprising a pair of separate refrigerating units, each unit consisting of its own generator-absorber, condenser, refrigerating element, and connecting combined ofitake and suction gas pipe line terminating at the generator-absorber in a return gas suction branch and a valved gas ofitake branch. the two refrigerating element-slicing arranged each Within the zone cooled by the other, each generator absorber having means for alternately heating and "cooling the same, means for periodically cutting off the heat from one generator absorber and applying continuously flowingcooling means thereto and simultaneously applying heating means to the other generator absorberand cutting off the cooling medium therefrom.

8. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type, comprising separate refrigerating units, each unit embodying its own generator-absorber, condenser, refrigerating element, and connecting as line, each gas line embod 'ng a check-Va ve controlled gas offtake om its generator-absorber and a branch pipe forming the absorption gas return discharging into the liquid in the generator absorber, therefri crating element of each unit arranged in t e zone cooled by the element of the other unit, means for alternately heating. and cooling the enerator-absorbers, means for shifting the ieat from one to the other of said generatorabsorbers and for simultaneously and oppositely shifting the cooling medium, and means for continuously applying cooling medium to the condensers of both units.

9. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type embodying a generator absorber, a condenser, a refrigerating element, and a connecting gaseous refrigerant pipe line having automatic gas flow controlling check valve means embodying a succession of separate check valves having pressure receiving surfaces of different areas and an intervening gas chamber.

10. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorp tion type, comprising a generator-absorber, and a pressure pipe line leading therefrom and arranged, in part at least, to drain back into the generator-absorber, said line including means to prevent back pressure flow and to dehydrate the gas by the provision of an expansion and condensing chamber draining back into the generator-absorber, said means embodying pressure-lifted check valve means admitting gas to said chamber and relatively heavy pressure-lifted check valve means controlling the on flow of gas from said chamber.

11. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type, comprising agenerator-absorber, a passage for leading off the gas expelled during generation, a passage for leading in the expanded gas during absorption, and means for automatically controlling the flow of expanded gas into the generator-absorber during absorption consisting of a succession of pressure lifted valve means of progressively increasing capacities and an intervening gas accumu ating chamber.

12. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type, comprising a generator-absorber, means for leading off the gas generated in said generator-absorber, means for discharging the expanded gas into said generatorabsorber for re-absorption, means for controlling the expanded gas flow into said generator absorber, and means for automatically regulating vand controlling the gas flow from said generator and embodying a succession of pressure lifted valve means and an intervening as expansion and vapor condensation c amber.

13. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type, COIIIPI'lSl a generator-absorber, a condenser, a com ined receiver and expansion chamber included in a pipe line for flow of gas under pressure from the generator-absorber through the condenser to the chamber without the provision of an expansion valve and a. separate receiver light-pressure lifted valve means arran in said pi e line between the generator-absorber an the condenser to prevent back 7 pressure flow toward the generator-absorber,

and relatively-heavy pressure-lifted valve means in said line beyond said first mentioned means to,provide an intervening gas chamber.

.14. A refrigerating machine of the absorption type, embodying a refrigerant lme including a generator-absorber, a condenser, and a combined receiver and expansion refrigerating element, said line on the pressure side including a combined expansion valve and dehydrator arranged to drain back into the generator-absorber, and composed of successive ports of different capacity and separate cooperating valves therefor.

15. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type comprising a generator-absorber, meansbeing provided for successively heating and then cooling the same, and a refrigerating element operatively connected with said generator absorber to receive the refrigerant therefrom and to permit suction return of expanded refrigerant thereto, said element embodying a hollow approximately U-shaped'body, cover plates fitting the opposite sides of said body to provide a refrigerating chamber in the space between the legs of the U-shape, and a front cover for said chamber.

16. Refrigerating apparatus of the absorption type comprising a pair of refrigerating units each embodying a generatorabsorber and a refrigerating element consisting of a hollow body providing a central refrigerating chamber having a front end entrance opening, each refrigerating element being operatively coupled to its generator-absorber to receive refrigerant therefrom and to return the expanded refrigerant thereto, the refrigerating elements of the pair of units being arranged adjacent to each other in approximate parallelism.

17. In refrigerating apparatus, in combination, twin generator-a'sborbers, means for alternately heating said generator-absorbers, each enerator-absorber having its own cooling liquid passage, 21. valve casing providing separate cooling liquid inlets to said passages of the generator-absorbers, respectively, and also providing liquid outlets from said cooling passages, respectively, a slide valve in said casing providing a cooling water common supply duct open to a source of cooling Water and having outlet ducts to said inlets, respectively, and also having a common liquid oiftake duct with ports to said outlets, mpectively, said ports and inlets and outlets being so arranged that whemsaid valve is in one position cooling water will be supplied to one generator-ab- "ers, heaters for said generator-absorbers, an

sorber from said supply duct and the outlet ing said slide valve.

18.- In refrigeratingapparatus, in combination, twin generator-absorbers, a source of cooling liquid for said generator-absorbelongated reciprocatory unit movable in one direction to one position and in the opposite direction to another position, means where by said unit when in one position cuts off the supply of cooling liquid to one generator absorber *and causes application of heat thereto and cuts oil the heat-from the other generator-absorber and starts the application of cooling liquid thereto, and whereby the movement of said unit to its other position cuts off heat from said one generatorabsorber and causes application of cooling liquid thereto and causes application of heat to said other generator-absorber and cuts off the cooling liquid therefrom, a single nor- 9 mally-inactive independent actuating motor for said recipra/catory unit, and a switchcontrolled starting circuit for said motor.

19. In refrigerating apparatus, in combination, a generator-absorber, a source of cooling liquid therefor, a heater therefor, normally-inactive movable means controlling the flow of cooling liquid to said generator-absorber and the heating medium to said heater and constructed and arranged to move to 'one position to cut off the operation of said heater and cause the'cooling flow of said liquid and to move to another position to start the operation of said heater and cut off the flow of cooling, liquid, and a single independent normally-inactive actuating motor for said means embodying a normally inactive rotary member operatively connected with said means and driven by said motor in opposite directions on successive strokes, said motor constructed and arranged Whenever started to cause said rotary member to make a definite stroke and then come to rest, and an independent electric starting circuit for said 120 

